<p>Can I study ONLY Cliffs for scoring a 5 on ap biology exam? Without any class or any other textbook? How about only cliffs and barrons? Without any textbook or class. And, for Cliffs----is it only the book....or also Cliff's 5 practice tests, as well? Are both needed? Or, only the main Cliff's book?</p>
<p>Any suggestions? Also, where can get AP Bio released exams? I know where to get the past FRQ’s…but, how about the released exams?</p>
<p>any suggestions?</p>
<p>bump id like to know this too</p>
<p>I can’t really say, because I’m actually taking an AP Bio class, not self-study. With that said, if you have a pretty good base of biology knowledge, you can probably read Cliffs through 2 or 3 times and get a five. </p>
<p>What you’ll notice is that the AP Bio curriculum doesn’t cover THAT much. But you do need to know some details, because that will help you on the FRQs, which are places where you can really rack up points and get a good score.</p>
<p>It’s not ideal, but Cliffs IS a really good review book, so you should probably be fine if you really study it closely.</p>
<p>Oh, and if I were you, I would definitely supplement it with some Khan Academy and Bozeman Biology videos (on Youtube). They’ll help you with some of the conceptual stuff. The rest is memorization (which you can use quizlet flashcards to help you with).</p>
<p>I’m also trying to self-study AP Bio using only the Cliffs book. But I’m only halfway through (140 + 2 practice tests left to go).</p>
<p>I’ve took Honors Biology two years ago and recognize a lot of the material, and remember it well enough for multiple choice, but I can’t remember most of the details needed for FRQ. Not sure if I can still get a 5 at this point, or if I should just not take the AP test…</p>
<p>Well the FRQ is basically spitting out facts so if you think you can answer most MC, you’ll probably be fine with the FRQs, but only you really know that.</p>
<p>Hmm okay. Thanks for your help!</p>
<p>No problem, good luck :)</p>
<p>When you guys say Cliffs—you mean the AP biology Cliffs 3rd edition, right? Not, the Cliff’s Ap Biology book with the 5 additional practice tests…right? </p>
<p>So, I will be studying Cliffs AP Biology 3rd edition + online labs + online FRQ’s…anything else? Anyone know how many approximate hours it takes to read Cliffs AP Biology?</p>
<p>Anyone know how many approximate hours it takes to read Cliffs AP Biology?—2 times?</p>
<p>it took me around 5 hours or so to really soak up all the information and remember all the little things i forgot over the year. However, it depends on how easily distracted you are.</p>
<p>I have never done AP Biology—so, I guess it will take me me even more time…maybe if I can put in 24 hours on Cliffs and Barrons----I should be good to go for the AP exam this May. Any thoughts on that plan?</p>
<p>Yes. You can only study cliffs. My honest suggestion? Study Free Response and forget about MC. As long as you know basic systems such as photosynthesis and cellular respiration, don’t try to learn all the “fun facts” such as fish urine and what not. I studied for one day (not suggesting that, way too stressful) and got a 5. I probably got like 60% MC and about 95% FR. It was that insanely easy</p>
<p>Sent from my ThunderBolt using CC</p>
<p>@ annaanna926: It’s taking me about an hour to read each chapter in the Cliffs book, but I’m not doing too well on FRQs. Gotta work more on those… Your plan (Cliffs + labs + videos) sounds good though!
I heard the Barron’s book leaves out a lot of important info. Even though it has more pages than Cliffs, the Barrons font is much bigger and there’s more white space.</p>
<p>Thanks to both of the posts above!!! You guys seriously cannot believe how much you helped me restore my confidence. So, basically----I am studying Cliffs (twice) + online FRQ’s + online labs. I suppose Barron’s isn’t really needed. Nor is the other Cliff’s AP biology with 5 practice exams.</p>
<p>No problem! If only I could restore my own self-confidence… x)</p>
<p>How far are you with your plan? (Have you taken any biology class before btw?)</p>
<p>2 more weeks! Ahhhh!</p>
<p>I took Biology two years ago (back in 9th grade). I just started my plan…ha ha. So, you are much better off than me =) Wish me luck. I will be needing it. And, good luck to you too!</p>
<p>Guess what? If you are studying from the cliffs, don’t just cram. Study it thoroughly and I bet you’ll get a 5. I am just telling you from my experience. Thorough studying bought me a 39/40 on the FRQs!</p>
<p>@ubermevin: You mean rereading every single piece of material? However, since we are only using Cliff’s isn’t that already cramming? So, in your case you didn’t do ANYTHING but Cliff’s? Any more suggestions on how you divided your time would be helpful =)</p>